[Mitral valve prolapse and spasmophilia in the adult]. / Prolapsus valvulaire mitral et spasmophilie chez l'adulte.

75 cases of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) for which no cause was found underwent electromyography (EMG). In 64 cases (85.3%) EMG showed changes suggestive of spasmophilia. The symptoms observed were those already described in this condition. The specific clinical signs of spasmophilia were often elicited with a positive Chvostek sign in 20 out of 30 cases (73.3%). Radiological, echocardiographical and haemodynamic studies underlined the hyperkinetic state of the left ventricle. Biochemical investigations showed a high incidence of low erythrocytic magnesium levels. Chest pain suggestive of angina pectoris, mitral valve prolapse and spasmophilia are frequently associated. The role of the low erythrocyte magnesium on left ventricular hyperkinesis and the production of MVP is discussed.

[Mitral valve prolapse and spasmophilia in children and adolescents]. / Prolapsus mitral et spasmophilie chez l'enfant et l'adolescent.

71 cases of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in the child and adolescent with an age range of 3 to 20 years were reviewed. The clinical symptoms, electrocardiography and catheter and angiographic data of this mitral abnormality were analysed. A systematic study of the electrocardiogram showed a tendency to spasmophilia in 68% of cases. The serum calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels were normal in 90 to 95% of patients. A reduced erythrocytic magnesium level seems to have been found in some patients. It is interesting to observe the similarity between the clinical signs in MVP and in spasmophilia. These clinical, biochemical and electrocardiographical results justify the systematic investigation of children and adolescents with MVP, with a view to the diagnosis of spasmophilia.